Winds of Change Buffet Veterinary School Accreditor

The American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education faces potential changes despite the dismissal of a federal lawsuit challenging its role as the only Veterinary education accreditor in the United States and Canada. Lincoln Memorial University alleged anticompetitive practices and conflicts arising from AVMA’s roles as both a professional association and accreditor. The case was dismissed without prejudice because claimed harms were considered too speculative, leaving LMU able to pursue future claims.

Separately, the Trump administration has proposed broad reforms to higher education accreditation. The Department of Education proposal would strengthen separation between accreditors and related trade or professional associations, prohibit sharing certain resources, and reduce barriers for new accrediting organizations.

Those provisions could require greater separation between AVMA, the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, and the COE while potentially introducing competing Veterinary accreditors. The proposed regulations also emphasize conflict-of-interest controls, accreditation competition, student outcomes, and reduced accreditation burdens. Public comments are due September 21.